The more, the merrier. It looks like this is the approach Ford Philippines is taking when it comes to the Ranger, as the American car manufacturer has just launched yet another variant of the long-running truck model in the local market.
This is the Ford Ranger FX4 Max, a more rugged version of the standard vehicle built with off-road capability in mind. It carries a P1,698,000 launch price and is now the 14th Ranger in Ford’s local lineup. Just wow.
So, what are we looking at here? Under the hood, you get the brand’s 2.0-liter bi-turbo engine capable of 210hp and up to 500Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission—the same mill you’ll find inside the Ranger Raptor and the Ranger Wildtrak 4x4. Familiar power figures, yes, but Ford has also gone through the trouble of beefing-up this truck’s suspension.
The FX4 Max rides on two-inch Fox shock absorbers and leaf springs modified to give better performance off-road, as well as new 17-inch alloys wrapped in all-terrain BFGoodrich tires. It’s a humble package compared with its Raptor brother as far as outright off-roading is concerned, but considering the price, it’s a pretty enticing offer.
Ford Philippines has also given the FX4 Max the appearance to match its performance.
Besides the new wheels, the vehicle gets anti-skid side steps, a matte-black tubular sports bar, unique ‘FX4 Max’ decals, and a grille design reminiscent of the Ranger Raptor’s. Inside, nice leather seats provide a sense of refinement, while all-weather washable floor mats build further on the model’s rugged underpinnings.
Lastly, a new feature worth noting is the availability of an auxiliary switch pack that can serve as an on-the-go power source for tools and accessories. This features a 250A alternator to reduce the strain on the truck’s battery.
“The FX4 Max builds on the success of the Ranger as a rugged and versatile pickup while harnessing the winning off-roading capabilities of the Ranger Raptor,” Ford Philippines president PK Umashankar said in a statement.
You can get the FX4 Max in six colors: Arctic White, Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Meteor Gray, Blue Lightning, and True Red. If you’re looking for a more viable alternative to Ford’s more expensive and more capable Ranger offerings, this should probably be on your shortlist. Plan on checking one out at a dealership?
More photos of the Ford Ranger FX4 Max:
